In Memoriam: Author, Entertainer and DJ Guru, Dan McKay

On Wednesday, July 7th at 3:07 pm, Dan McKay left our world to perform in a much higher place.

Dan was a five-year survivor of a rare type of cancer. He was advised about two months ago that a terminal tumor had redeveloped, and doctors gave Dan six to twelve months to live even with chemotherapy.

Because of the hardships and suffering that chemo brings about, and because it would make little difference in his overall life expectancy, Dan choose to skip it and let nature take its course. After six days in the hospital, he went home to put his affairs in order and then moved into a hospice that sits on a beautiful ten acre landscaped property. A month later, Dan’s battle was over.

While he was in the hospital, Dan sent me an email to let me know about his condition. Through our correspondence, Dan agreed to do a final interview with me for this blog. Sadly, his condition deteriorated so quickly that we never got the chance.

Dan also shared information about his illness with colleagues on DJChat.com, where he was the Forum Director. His post was viewed by over 2,000 DJs. Condolences and well-wishes came pouring in, for which Dan expressed his appreciation. Since May, 1999, he contributed nearly 7,000 posts to the site.

Dan McKay was the owner of Seattle’s Party Hits Entertainment. He was a radio and mobile disc jockey, and commentator on the DJ industry for more than twenty years. Author of nearly one-hundred articles for Mobile Beat and DJ Times magazines, Dan also gave seminars at national conventions. He is the former newsletter editor of ProDJ.com, was founding President of the Seattle chapter of the ADJA, and current President of the Seattle Disc Jockey Association. Dan had a blog at DJTalk.com. He was a contributing writer to ProMobileDJ.com. The first post to his column, Opinion Impresario, entitled “Master of None,” would unfortunately also be his last.

Dan left us with these memorable words about what really matters in life, “I am touched by those in the DJ community who have reached out to me with love and support, even though we had rather public clashes of opinions surrounding the disc jockey industry. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Ultimately one finds neither is important in light of true friendship.”

A total professional to the end, Dan made sure that all of his existing contracts were covered even while putting his personal affairs in order. You will be missed by many, Dan McKay. Thank you for your many contributions to our industry. Our hearts go out to your wife, Deven, and to all of your family. Rest in peace.